Nearly 60 million Americans age 6 and older suffer from high blood pressure. Often, high blood pressure produces no symptoms. Regularly checking your blood pressure provides you with the opportunity to catch blood pressure problems early. Untreated high blood pressure can lead to damage of blood vessels, putting you at higher risk for heart attack, stroke, heart disease, and kidney failure. Healthy adults should check their blood pressure at least every two years.
Blood Pressure Cuff
You need a blood pressure cuff to check your blood pressure. Pharmacies, health equipment stores, and department stores sell blood pressure cuffs. You can choose a blood pressure cuff that fits on your upper arm or your wrist. Some blood pressure cuffs display a digital reading. Manual blood pressure cuffs require you to obtain the reading from a dial. Some shopping malls and drugstores provide a free blood pressure check station.
Positioning
For an accurate blood pressure reading, a person should quietly for at least 5 minutes before taking the blood pressure. Feet should be positioned flat on the floor with the arm at heart level. Provide proper support for the arm and back. Attach the blood pressure cuff as directed. The cuff should fit snugly but not tight. A properly fitting cuff is important to obtaining an accurate blood pressure reading.
Taking Your Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is measured by pumping the blood pressure cuff to the specified number. Generally, pumping the cuff to 160 provides adequate inflation. Individuals with high blood pressure must inflate the cuff to a higher number. Consult your doctor if you have questions about how high to inflate your blood pressure cuff. Deflate the cuff and record the reading by making note of the first and last beats you hear. Digital blood pressure cuffs do this for you.
High Blood Pressure
Readings of more than 140/90 constitute high blood pressure, or hypertension. Readings of 120 to 139 over 80 to 89 fall into the category of pre-hypertension. Notify your health care provider if you obtain readings in either of these categories. Checking your blood pressure at different times of the day gives a comprehensive view of your blood pressure health. Write down your readings and take your records to the doctor with you. If diagnosed with hypertension, your doctor will work with you to create a plan to reduce your blood pressure.
Factors Affecting Blood Pressure
Heredity plays a role in the development of high blood pressure. Lifestyle choices also have a direct impact on your blood pressure. Smoking or using any tobacco product raises your blood pressure. Carrying too much body weight also increases blood pressure. Eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and practicing relaxation techniques can help to bring down your blood pressure. Adopting healthy habits now may also prevent hypertension from occurring later in life.
